The lovely Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a pleasure to visit. Both the exterior, with its beautiful pink sandstone and delicate decor, and the interior, with its amazing stained glass windows, delight the visitor.

The cathedral is also home to a historic Astronomical Clock, located in the front of the church, in the right transept. You can see this clock any time you visit the cathedral, but to see it "in action," you need to get a ticket and come about midday (entrance on right side of the cathedral).

The original clock was built in the 16th century, and was renovated a couple of times, most recently in the 19th century. Its mechanism is said to be unique, and it includes various dials and displays, such as a perpetual calendar and a display showing the position of the sun and the moon.

Be prepared to stand: You'll first stand in line, waiting to get your 2€ ticket (or use your Strasbourg Pass). The cathedral suggests that you line up by 11:30, and the doors open just before noon.

Once inside you'll continue to stand, and you'll have time to observe and take pictures of the clock. Then there is a 20 minute video about the clock's history and functioning—more standing.

Finally, at 12:30, the astronomical clock will go into action and the automatons will start to move. An angel will sound a chime, and the twelve apostles will pass in front of Jesus. Just below that, figures representing the stages of life pass before Death.

And on top, the cock will crow and flap his wings.

The actual operation of the clock is over quickly, and you can then continue to visit theinterior of the cathedral. If you want to see the clock in action, you'll have to decide if you can handle standing for about an hour.

Note: The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is closed to visitors from about 11:20 AM - 12:35 PM Monday through Saturday, except for those who are viewing the Astronomical Clock. Entrance is on the right side of the cathedral.